By Emory Ann Kurysh
“There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.”
Robert Lynd
Thanksgiving is almost upon us. While it is important to be grateful for everything good in our lives, it is just as imperative that we take measures to remind ourselves about how fleeting it all can be. Times have changed since the early 17th century. Things have become quicker, nicer, and simpler. Even our gender roles have changed. We as modern women are now just as capable as men are, if not more. Let’s keep that in mind as we move through this season, and attempt to take on more than we can handle with family, work, food, and DIYs. Because we will come out in the end, and our triumphs will not be undervalued.
When I came up with the idea for a fall wreath, I was largely inspired by a Robert Lynd quote and the idea of foraging for materials. It seemed to fit the nature of the season. If you think about it, wreaths in themselves are representative of bird’s nests. They are round with usually a twig or leaf base, and are adorned with found objects. I not only wanted to save money and reduce my carbon footprint, but also create a DIY that was indicative of Thanksgiving and the beauty of the season. This Primitive Harvest Wreath was my answer.
This is what I gathered:
Fallen twigs
Living branches
Leaves
Berries
Dried Flowers
Moss
This is what I bought:
Glue gun
Glue sticks
Scissors
Twine/string
Moss
Cattails
Prairie Grass
Steps:
1. Gather the materials
2. Using the fallen twigs, tie their ends together with twine/string to resemble a circular shape.
This will form the base of the wreath.
3. Use the glue gun to seal the twine/string to the twigs.
4. Once satisfied with the shape of the wreath, take the living branches and wrap them around the twigs. This will add stability and colour to the wreath.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3.
6. Now that the base has been formed, you are ready to decorate. Begin with the moss. Using the hot glue gun, adhere clumps of both dried and living moss to the areas where the twine/string is visible. After that, you may want to add more where you think that the wreath is lacking more greenery.
7. Next add the cattails, prairie grass, and dried flowers. Get creative, but keep in mind that minimalism is the key to a primitive-like wreath.
8. The last step is to create a bow. Simply cut a piece of twine/string to the desired length, wrap it around the top of the wreath, and tie it off. I reinforced mine with the glue gun and moss.
9. Hang the Harvest Wreath for all to enjoy!
